Mind Makeover
Mind is Key to Weight Loss
January is a big month for diets. Starting, and stopping.
According to a survey conducted in the UK, two out of five dieters quit within a week. Only one of out five stay with it for a month. In the end, diets fail. Even if you lose weight, chances are extremely high you will gain it all back, and probably more.
Most weight watchers put too much emphasis on the diet, not enough on the mind. It’s been said we only use about 10% of our minds – can you imagine what you can do with the other 90%? Your mind will help you with your body makeover if you let it.
There are two essentials to a mind makeover for weight loss:
*Cultivating the right thoughts (and words)
*Cultivating the right gut flora (your Belly Brain)
Right now, let’s focus on thoughts. Stay tuned for my webinar and ebook on changing your gut flora and Belly Brain. I have some exciting news here.
We average 60,000 thoughts per day. Our thoughts create us. Thinking and telling a friend it’s impossible to stop eating the holiday See’s will keep you reaching for those chocolate bonbons no matter how hard you try to stop or how many resolutions you set. Telling your friends you hate to exercise is likely to keep you, well — chubby and not moving.
Stop obsessing about how much weight you gained over the holidays. And by all means, don’t discuss it.
We know from quantum physics, energy follows thought. That means your thoughts (and your words) direct and focus energy, the fabric of our reality, transforming it into the outcomes you think of as just part of life. In other words, whatever you think and talk about all day long becomes your reality: Your life. Stuff. Your body. Philosophers and religious texts have taught this for years. Many, including Deepak Chopra, teach awareness as a path to changing our thoughts, bodies and lives.
One of my clients, a hard working type A business owner, tells me she cannot give up her Frappuccino and cookie habit. “I can’t do it,” she laments. “I crave my sweet break every afternoon and no matter how hard I try, I cannot pass it up.” The more she tells others this, which is often, the more firmly she locks herself into this pattern. To change, she needs to be aware of what she is thinking and saying, then change her thoughts and words. Possibilities include: “I love sparkling water and fruit in the afternoon.” or “I look forward to hot green tea and a few walnuts every afternoon.” She could also use awareness to figure out what she really needs is a nap, or permission to relax.
By commiserating with friends about how overweight or ill you are, or how you hate to exercise, you are setting yourself up for failure. Research reveals people with overweight friends tend to be overweight themselves. Could it be the conversations? Our words? Become aware of what you are saying to others.
Words have power. Choose wisely.
When an old friend says, “Wow, you look great.” Keep yourself from responding, “No way, I’m so fat.” This kind of answer makes it nearly impossible for your mind to help you. It may seem like friendly banter, but your words have power. The more helpful answer is, “Thank you.” And even better, “Thank you, I feel great, energized and lean.”
NO matter what your resolutions, when your words reflect them, success flows most easily.
P.S. Email me at [email protected] or comment below to learn more about my upcoming FREE one-hour webinar: Mind Makeover; 21 Days to BE THIN. This one hour phone or webinar session will give you the tools you need for success, whether it be health, weight loss, finances or relationships. Tell me a bit about your struggle and best times for you to tune in.
I love re-re-reading this post. I enjoyed your link to Chopra.com as well. After a great, yet kid- filled summer with lots of stimuli for mom, I am beat. With lack of exercising and no self-care time, I have filled my mind with negative thoughts. For some reason, it is a struggle to clear them from my mind
I got to go away for two days by myself right now.(Napa)
I always love to hear your feedback. Hope you are well!
So good to hear from you and glad you are getting time away. It is easier to focus on the good in life when your body is getting what it needs, including exercise, fresh air, plenty of sleep and personal time. We can end up wiser and stronger from setbacks when we avoid getting angry with ourselves or letting things slip too far. Take a deep breath and embrace your annual back-to-school fitness plan and more time for you.
I’d like to join a webinar. Sat/Sun 10am-10pm EST, or M-F 7pm-11pm EST.
Thanks for your interest Yolanda. Any specific challenges you need help with?
I love this! Mornings M-F & Saturday/Sunday are great for me.
I struggle with the mental portion—how to take care of myself and not needing to turn to food for comfort.
Thanks Andria, got it.
I’d like to join the webinar. This may be a repeat message as I am challenged by the CAPTCHA.
You’re in! CATCHA worked.
Hi Linda,
I would like to learn more about your upcoming FREE one-hour webinar: Mind Makeover; 21 Days to BE THIN.
I am ready to get rid of the 50+ pounds that I have on my body. I am aware that my past ‘likes and dislikes’ that I thought and verbalized have kept me on a treadmill of obesity. I am ready to get off.
Thanks Karen. You’re on the list.
Hi LInda,
Thanks for the positive post. Great way to start the new year. And your new web site looks FANTASTIC. Congrats. Katie
Thanks Katie!
Early mornings would work best
My issue is no metabolism because i rarely eat. You know… We all know what to
Do its mind over matter!
Thanks
“No metabolism” could be low thyroid, or that you are not eating enough. Omega 3 fats are well known to boost metabolism as does protein and exercise, especially high intensity. You will learn more in class, but there’s a start.